Just keep in mind something that I've observed over time. It's anecdotal and Your Mileage May Vary (disclaimers, etc etc) but I take it as a reasonable parable

Just keep in mind something that I've observed over time. It's anecdotal and Your Mileage May Vary (disclaimers, etc etc) but I take it as a reasonable parable when phrased as such... I don't know if the thought/plan/idea has crossed your mind, but be very, very careful about walking in to current company with other companies offer and trying to negotiate to stay. E.G. "They offered me this (be it money, perks, hours, or anything else) and I'd like to stay here but ([list of items from previous list that are most appealing]) is quite tempting. Can you counteroffer?". It may be different at different companies (I'd hope so) but I've observed friends & coworkers do this and end up in a worse situation staying. They've signaled to people above that they're disloyal/easily distracted/however you want to phrase it and the perception changes. The company in most cases felt they really needed to make an effort to keep the person, but the treatment and trust changed significantly afterwards. TL;DR - Be careful about negotiating with company #2s offer to stay at current company with perks/salary/etc from company #2. You may find they keep you out of need but keep you at a distance going forward. As for the meat of the actual question you asked - I would recommend that there's no harm in taking things through to completion with the other company and seeing what they have to offer. Even if you decide ultimately for WHATEVER reason, if you handle it gracefully in most cases you can prop a door open for yourself. Assuming you get a great offer from the new company but decide that you'd like to stay where you are for a few more months , if you handle it professionally (maybe phrased as "finishing a project") there is no reason that "no thank you" has to become "no thank you for now". Most good companies who value talent and the like will not suddenly burn your resume and curse your name if you turn down an offer in a professional manner. The likelihood is that if they wanted you today there's no reason they wouldn't jump at you in 6 months if your situation changes. Again, TL;DR - Don't burn bridges on either end if you can help it. Manage the opportunities in a way that whichever direction you go you can leave doors open at both if your situation/opinion changes.